In an unfortunate gaffe, BBC broadcaster Maryam Moshiri seemed to give the middle finger live on TV.
On Wednesday, the reporter was hosting the lunchtime news, but she appeared to be oblivious that she was being recorded when she made the nasty gesture as the programme began.
She made a silly expression before immediately recovering and starting the story, fully aware that she was now on TV.
‘Live from BBC London, this is BBC News,’ Maryam, who went viral weeks ago for demonstrating the moon, said, ignoring the moment before.
As the video spread on social media, people were in stitches at the gaffe.
‘A meme is born,’ someone said, while another penned: ”I know I shouldn’t laugh, but ‘lol, what a time to be alive’.
‘What a silly and unprofessional thing to do,’ one viewer fumed.
In recent months, the BBC has been no stranger to uncomfortable gaffes, such as presenters resting before remembering they’re still on television and bystanders unexpectedly captured in the background.
A similar mistake occurred in 2010 when a weather presenter gave the middle finger without noticing they were on camera.
Recognising his error, he attempted to conceal it by scratching his face, but the BBC was compelled to apologise.
‘The News Channel presenter in the studio acknowledged a mistake had been made, and we apologise for any offence caused,’ a BBC spokesman said.
‘Tomasz was not aware that he was on air, and whilst the gesture was only shown for a second, it was not acceptable.’
